On the evening of October 11, Pope Francis, alongside participants of the Synod on Synodality, including non-Catholic delegates, gathered for an ecumenical prayer vigil at the site believed to be where St. Peter and other early Christian martyrs were killed under Emperor Nero. The vigil was held in the Roman Protomartyrs Square, located inside Vatican City, marking the sacred ground where the first martyrs shed their blood for their faith.

The 45-minute service featured prayers, sung chants, and litanies, with attendees holding candles imprinted with the image of the 15th-century painting “Mater Ecclesiae” (“Mother of the Church”). The prayer vigil’s music was led by a small choir and included hymns from the Taizé Community such as “Laudate Omnes Gentes” and “Bless the Lord, My Soul,” accompanied by instruments like the guitar, flute, and clarinet.

Pope Francis concluded the service by leading the assembly in praying the Our Father, though he did not deliver his planned meditation on Christian unity. The reflection, published later on the Vatican website, emphasized the connection between Christian unity and synodality. Citing John 17:22, Pope Francis reflected on how the martyrs received glory through their witness to Christ.

“In this place, we remember the first martyrs of the Church of Rome. The Church was built upon their blood,” the pope wrote, praying that their witness may strengthen Christian unity.

pope emphasized that synodality, like unity, is about receiving and making fruitful the gift of togetherness already present among Christians. He called division a “scandal” and urged all Christians to focus on their shared baptism and common mission as missionary disciples of Christ.

This year’s Synod on Synodality includes 16 fraternal delegates from non-Catholic Christian communities, four more than last year. New delegates represent the Patriarchate of Alexandria and all of Africa, the Syrian Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch, the Lutheran World Federation, and the World Mennonite Conference. Other notable representatives include Metropolitan Job of Pisidia from the Eastern Orthodox Church and Anglican Bishop Martin Warner of Chichester.

While fraternal delegates participate in the synodal assembly, they do not vote. However, their presence highlights Pope Francis’ commitment to fostering ecumenical dialogue and unity among Christian traditions.